Elizabeth Anne Nichols (nee Troup) Travel Award * [F25294]

An asterisk (*) indicates that this scholarship is governed by conditions. This scholarship is governed by the General Conditions for Scholarships for Coursework Students except as set out in the conditions that follow.

A sum of money has been donated to The University of Western Australia (the University) to provide an annual travel award in Science Communication in honour of Mrs Elizabeth Anne Nichols (nee Troup). The award is established and administered in accordance with the following conditions.

Title
1. The scholarship is called the Elizabeth Anne Nichols (nee Troup) Travel Award.

Purpose
2. The purpose of the award is to assist a student who is completing studies in science communication to pursue and benefit from travel and practical work experience¹ in science reporting.

¹ As arranged by the Science Communication Course Co-ordinator.

Value
3. The total value of the scholarship is $5000.

Note: It is the responsibility of awardees to check the implications for income tax liability (http://www.ato.gov.au/) and/or means-tested benefits (http://www.centrelink.gov.au/) of accepting this travel award.

Eligibility Requirements
4. To be eligible for consideration an applicant must—

(a) be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia; and

(b) in the year that they receive the award, completing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in science communication in one of the following courses at the University—

(i) Bachelor of Science (Science Communication)

(ii) Bachelor of Science with a major in Science Communication;

(iii) Bachelor of Science Honours degree programme in Science Communication;

(iv) Graduate Certificate in Science Communication;

(v) Graduate Diploma in Science Communication;

(vi) Master of Science Communication;

(vii) Master of Science Communication and Education; or

(viii) a research higher degree.

Body Responsible for Selection
5. The selection committee comprises:

(a) the Dean of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, or nominee (as Chair);

(b) the Science Communication Programme Co-ordinator; and

(c) the President of the Australian Science Communicators (WA Branch), or nominee.

Selection Criteria
6. The travel award is awarded to the applicant who, in the opinion of the selection committee, best demonstrates in their application and supporting documentation—

(a) academic achievement as evidenced by their academic record; and

(b) an understanding of, and enthusiasm for, science communication and science reporting; and

(c) the capacity to use the opportunity presented through the travel award to develop their career in science communication.

Selection Process
7. (1) Selection of the recipient is made by the selection committee having regard to the applicants' academic records, completed application forms and supporting documentation.

(2) Short-listed applicants are interviewed by the selection panel and are required to present a portfolio of their practical work at the interview.

Awarding Body
8. The travel award is awarded by the Board of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, on the recommendation of the selection committee.

Method of Payment
9. (1) The travel award is paid as a lump sum on or before the commencement of travel.

(2) Payment of the award is conditional upon the recipient providing a provisional budget for travel and living costs, along with quotes obtained, to the Science Communication Course Co-ordinator.

Concurrent Awards
10. The travel award may be held concurrently with any other external or University award provided that the conditions of the concurrent award so permit.

Application Procedure
11.(1) Written applications for the travel award are called for annually by the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences and must be submitted to the Science Communication Course Co-ordinator no later than the advertised closing date.

(2) Written applications addressing the selection criteria must include—

(a) details of intended travel;

(b) how the award could contribute to the career path of the recipient; and

(c) the time frame required to commence the proposed travel and work experience if at variance with that required under 13(1).

Administering Body
12. The scholarship is administered by the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences.

Other Conditions
13. (1) Unless otherwise agreed with the selection panel, the recipient of the travel award must commence the travel and work experience within six months of receiving the award.

(2) No later than three months after completing the work experience, the recipient must submit a written report to the Dean of the Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences outlining the benefits gained from the work experience. 

(3) The recipient is required to provide an illustrated presentation to relevant students and staff in science communication and to members of the profession about the benefits of the work experience. 

(4) At the discretion of the Dean, the requirement in (3) may be waived.

Publications
14. Any thesis, dissertation or other academic publication resulting from research undertaken by the recipient while in receipt of the Elizabeth Anne Nichols (nee Troup) Travel Award must acknowledge the support of the award and carry the University by-line.

Intellectual Property
15. Intellectual property is governed by the University’s Intellectual Property policy available on the University’s web site at http://www.universitypolicies.uwa.edu.au/page/117132.